Cherry MX Black vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Cherry MX Black and the TTC Silent Red. The MX Black, known for its iconic status and perfected by Cherry, offers a classic textured smoothness that many users appreciate. Its low-pitched sound profile, along with its stiffness, provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is the go-to choice for those seeking a quiet typing experience. With a muted sound profile and a buttery and mild feel throughout, these switches are ideal for office or shared living spaces. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Black and the TTC Silent Red switches differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The MX Black features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to absorb more sound due to its softer nature. This imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile to the typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, offering a stiffer and more resonant feel. This leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is advantageous for RGB lighting due to its translucency. Although their top housing materials differ, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience.
The bottom housings of both the MX Black and the Silent Red switches share the same nylon material. Nylon is known for its softer composition, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This characteristic is present in both switches, creating a duller and rounder sound when the keys are pressed. The bottom housing materials play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, adding to the overall typing experience.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the switches, it becomes clear that each has a distinct influence. Pressing down on a switch reveals the qualities of the bottom housing, resulting in the bottom-out sound and feel. The MX Black's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Silent Red's nylon bottom housing elicits a similar effect. Conversely, the top housing materials predominantly affect the sound generated when releasing a key. The MX Black's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound, contrasting with the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The MX Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, requiring a stronger push to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more effortless typing experience.
In terms of bottom out force, the MX Black is also heavier, requiring 80 grams of force to fully press the key. This provides a more substantial and satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Silent Red has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which falls under the medium-heavy range.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter switch to type for longer durations or engage in extended gaming sessions might opt for the Silent Red due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. However, individuals seeking a more robust and substantial typing experience may lean towards the MX Black switch due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Overall, the MX Black is the heavier switch, requiring more force to both actuate and bottom out, while the Silent Red offers a lighter typing experience. However, it is important to note that both switches offer a satisfying and reliable performance, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Cherry MX Black linear switch is 4.0mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the MX Black being slightly longer. However, with the recent popularity of shorter travel distances, the 3.7mm of the Silent Red may be more appealing to gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more satisfying key press may gravitate towards the 4.0mm travel distance of the MX Black. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the specific needs of the user, whether they prioritize a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
The Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Black linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile. This means that these switches have a deeper, more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch produces a muted sound. This means that they have a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The Silent Reds are specifically designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making them ideal for office or shared living space use. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the choice of board and keycaps. However, both switches provide a pleasant and smooth typing experience while offering different sound profiles.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is described as textured and stiff. The textured aspect refers to noticeable friction when pressing the keys, providing a unique tactile sensation. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. Additionally, the MX Black switch requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. This means that users need to apply more force when pressing the keys, resulting in a slightly heavier typing feel.
On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch offers a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. The buttery feel implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. It also has a mild characteristic, which means it offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. These switches stand in a safe, middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users. Additionally, the Silent Red switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This can be attributed to the materials used or factory lubing, enhancing the overall typing feel.
Taking into consideration the available information, the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The MX Black switch provides a low-pitched sound profile, a textured and stiff feel, and a classic smoothness. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch offers a muted sound profile, a buttery, mild and polished feel, and a smooth and consistent typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, one can choose the MX Black for a deeper sound and textured typing experience or the Silent Red for a quieter sound and a smoother keystroke. Both switches are excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, and regardless of the choice, users can expect a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a heavier switch with a textured feel, the Cherry MX Black linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its 80-gram bottom out force and textured smoothness, typing on this switch would provide a deep sound profile and a noticeable amount of friction. However, if you prefer a switch that delivers a smooth and seamless typing experience with minimal noise, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the perfect option. With its 63.5-gram bottom out force and muted sound profile, these switches are perfect for office or shared living space use. The Silent Red switch offers a buttery and polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, your preference for switch weight, feel, sound, and noise level will determine whether the Cherry MX Black or the TTC Silent Red is the better fit for you.
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